Latin American and Caribbean Consortium of Engineering Institutions

            Conference Track:  Sustainable Engineering

Keywords:         Groundwater Protection, Chemical Ranking

Contact Title::    Ms.

Contact First Name: Sandra

Contact Last Name:  Giraldo

University:       Latin American and Caribbean Center - Florida International University

Web:              http://lacc.fiu.edu/

Position:         Research Assistant

Country:          USA

Email:            sandra.giraldo@fiu.edu

Paper Title: 

Development of a Contaminant Ranking Model in Florida (USA) and its Transfer to Protect Groundwater Supplies in Latin American and Caribbean Communities

Abstract: 

A ranking model methodology, referred to as the Chemical Scoring Model (CSM), was developed as part of the State of Florida’s program that calls for the protection of groundwater supplies in the State in compliance with state and federal laws. CSM was then expanded to create a compromising tool that could be used in decision-making to support the protection of groundwater supplies from contamination in Latin American Communities. The expanded model includes variables that represent contaminant fate and transport characteristics, released quantity and vulnerability of the subsurface environment.

First, an identification of potential groundwater pollution sources by industry and crops in selected Latin American settings was made. Second, an application of the expanded model version was performed according to data availability. After proper information was collected and input, the model provided lists of contaminants of prime concern for each considered potential source of contamination. This presentation demonstrates the interactions among the variables and scopes both current limitations and priority recommendations to further improving the model. It also exemplifies an avenue by which transfer of information can timely happen between the academics of the State of Florida and the Latin American and Caribbean region. In sum, the model represents a cost-effective tool that could assist leaders, administrators and professionals to timely protect groundwater resources. 

Mailing Address: 

14610 Bull Run Rd. #133

Miami Lakes, FL, 33014 

Phone:  305-8239320 

Authors: 

Sandra Giraldo, Research Assistant and Graduate Student, Latin American & Caribbean Center, / sandra.giraldo@fiu.edu/ Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199 /(P) 

Hector R. Fuentes, Professor of Environmental & Water Resources               Engineering, Department of Civil & Environmental  Engineering/                      fuentes@fiu.edu/ Florida International University, Miami,Florida 33199.